ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY FOR SEALING AND CUTTING TISSUE, AND METHOD FOR SEALING AND CUTTING TISSUE

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrode assembly for sealing and cutting tissue.

SOLUTION: The electrode assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface which is connected to an electrosurgical energy source. The tissue contacting surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through the tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. The first jaw member includes an electrically conductive cutting element dielectrically disposed within the first tissue contacting surface. The second jaw member includes an insulator disposed therein directly opposite the cutting elements.

COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT